Is your loved one suddenly confused? Hallucinating? Not making sense? There could be a very easy explanation why. One of the most common reasons for a sudden mental status change in an elderly person is that they have a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), which is caused by dehydration. UTIs pose a serious, and sometimes deadly, risk to seniors.
UTIs increase a person’s risk of falling, and can cause confusion, agitation, and hallucinations without treatment. UTIs are treated with antibiotics, which can have side effects in the elderly, including but not limited to fever, vomiting, nerve damage, and kidney failure. Taking antibiotics too often can also lead to bacteria in the body becoming resistant to the antibiotics.
If you suspect a loved one has a UTI, call the doctor immediately to schedule a urinalysis. There are also at-home test kits that can be purchased at most drugstores to determine if your loved one has a UTI, which can then be reported to the doctor.
Seniors are at a greater risk of dehydration, so encouraging fluids is very important. Feeling thirsty diminishes as a person ages, so they may not know they are dehydrated until it’s too late and an infection occurs. Also, elderly persons generally will resist drinking water, especially close to bedtime, as most are worried that it will lead to them having to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Hydration is key! Even small sips of water throughout the day can make a difference. Introducing fruits and vegetables with a higher water content, (such as broccoli, melons, celery, and strawberries) into the diet can be a creative way to have your loved one stay hydrated. Watermelon, cucumbers, and lettuce all have exceptionally high water content. Eating oatmeal at breakfast is also a way to stay hydrated, along with drinking milk. Low sodium vegetable soups are another way to keep hydrated without drinking water.
